There is an abundance of articles that describe millennials as being self-entitled, coddled, and possessing little-to-no social skills. We’ve all heard stories about young twenty-something hipsters who spend more time photographing their meals than actually enjoying them. The truth is, sweeping generalizations, especially negatives ones like these, serve no one, and to ignore this young generation is to ignore a valuable resource for your business.
First, let’s be honest: generational differences are real. People are, in some ways at least, products of their respective times with different cultural touchstones, heroes, and ideals. While there is a great deal of overlap in what we all cherish in life, recognizing these nuances will save you grief and help you connect with and inspire your employees to reach their greatest potential.
First, remember well that storytelling is a potent tool, and it’s never been more far-reaching and ubiquitous as it is now. Narratives drip from movies, television, books, the news, the Internet, and more, and it’s available at our fingertips. Oftentimes, the protagonists in these stories seek meaning and purpose in life and manage to change the world in some way, so it’s no surprise that today’s young people hold this ideal so highly. Even more telling, many of those stories cast the pursuit of wealth in a superficial and even dubious light.
As important as it is to earn money and to be a good provider for one’s family, a millennial will want to know what kind of difference he or she is making besides in inflating the bottom line. Connect with your employees with personal stories from your own life and some of the good your company’s products and services do for customers, if you really want to speak to them.
Second, allowing for a little individuality is an important outlet you can provide your young employees with as well. Nothing could be worse than having those employees feel like they’re nothing more than a cog in a machine, cut from the same template. Cogs are identical. Cogs are replaceable. Encourage your millennial employees to take some measure of ownership in what they do and how they represent your company—within reason, of course. Remember, this generation grew up idolizing the zany upstarts who founded Apple Computer and not the prim and proper suits who ran IBM like a well-oiled machine. Where’s it possible, be flexible enough to let your employees put their own personal stamps on the work.
Lastly, show them that you care. Recognize each one’s unique potential. Invest time in their development through education and feedback. Tell them when they do a good job. Explain to them how they can do better when they don’t do a good job, not just reprimand them. Build a personal rapport with your staff. This hands-on investment will demonstrate your interest in your employees as people, not just as tools, and will signal to them that you care about their futures beyond what they’re doing for your business today.
Cast aside the millennial stereotypes and inspire your staff with purpose, flexibility, and care, and they’ll reward you with hard work, skill, and loyalty.
